Franklin-Simpson High School has annual homecoming parade

FRANKLIN, Ky.- The streets of Franklin were covered in blue Friday evening as hundreds of community members gathered to celebrate a longtime Franklin-Simpson High School homecoming tradition.

For nearly six decades, the annual homecoming parade has brought generations of Wildcats together to celebrate their school and community ahead of Friday night’s football game.

For Franklin-Simpson alumna Sammy Jo Didmore, the parade is a tradition she remembers participating in since childhood and one she now gets to share with the next generation.

“I was born and raised here. I’ve been coming to the homecoming parade since I was her size,” Didmore said. “We’re here to represent our Wildcats in support and hope that they kick some tail tonight.”

Students of all ages joined community members along the parade route to cheer on the Wildcats.

The parade featured custom floats representing different classes, athletic teams, schools, organizations and businesses from across Simpson County.

For Franklin-Simpson alumna Niki Caudall, returning to the homecoming celebration brought back memories of growing up in the community.

“It’s really nostalgic. It really is,” Caudall said.

She said homecoming remains an important part of Franklin’s culture, even years after graduation, and has become a tradition she hopes to continue sharing with her family.

“We enjoy it. It’s part of Franklin culture, and it’s something that any person who has been an alum at Franklin-Simpson has warm memories of homecoming,” Caudall said.

From current students to generations of graduates, Friday’s celebration showcased the sense of pride surrounding Franklin-Simpson and its Wildcats.

“It’s one of a kind,” Caudall said. “Nobody does it like Franklin-Simpson.”

The homecoming celebration continued Friday night as the Wildcats took the field in front of their hometown crowd.